Many spices have huge benefits to health and nutrition that are only now beginning to be recognized in the Western world. Backed by an impressive team of international medical professionals and institutions, Spice Health Heroes explores the nutritional and medical applications of 30 commonly available but nevertheless extraordinary spice ‘health heroes’.

In addition to being good for you, spices are universally celebrated for the depth of flavour that they bring to dishes. The alchemy of roasting and blending the perfect spice mix is a careful balance of sweet, sour, bitter and spicy that elevates a dish to something truly special. Here, over 90 recipes, including contributions from more than 20 internationally renowned chefs, draw their inspiration from around the world and include such mouth-watering dishes as Hibiscus and Citrus-crusted Prawns with Tart Tuscan Melon, Tamarind and Tahitian Lime Roasted Duck, and Toasted Pepper, Lemon and Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream.

Tropical Turmeric SmoothieSpiced Turmeric Tisane

Pork Chile Verde

Fenugreek-Poached Pear with Dessert Dukkah

“Spices, Earth’s refined alchemy, discovered and cherished by our ancestors, enhance the flavour of our food, bringing life to our mealtimes. Use spices not only for their culinary properties but also for their impressive healing qualities, which can help your health, inner balance and well-being.”

“Spices are a wonderful way to not only improve the flavour of the food you cook but also increase the potential health benefits. Spices provide natural flavours that contain a variety of phytochemicals, many of which are being studied today for their health benefits. Natasha’s book Spice Health Heroes is a fantastic resource for patients wanting to learn how to improve the health benefits of the food they are eating every day.”

– Richard Lee, MD, CWRU School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio

Radio Interviews

I discuss my new book, Spice Health Heroes with William Sitwell. Our conversation begins about 32 minutes into the show.

Natasha MacAller chats about her new book, Spice Health Heroes with Jo Good on The Barking Hour.

Reviews

Period Living - 2017Spice & Simple

Spices, earth’s refined alchemy, not only enhance the flavour of our food, but have impressive healing qualities to support health, inner balance and wellbeing. Natasha MacAller shares some tasty and nourishing recipes. Read more

NZ House & Garden - 2017Spice Up Your LifeThese recipes follow the centuries–old tradition of using spices for flavour as well as their health-giving properties. Read more

Foodism - 2017Watch this Spice!Found out how spices can improve your wellbeing as well as your food, with a new book by Chef and writer Natasha MacAller. Read more

Gourmet Business - Fine Cheese & Charcuterie - January 2017From the Deli BookshelfFor thousands of yearsspices have been used for medicinal purposes as well as for seasoning food. They are one of the oldest foods used by humans and are integral to virtually every traditional cuisine on earth. Read more

Eat Healthy Magazine - 2016Spice up your nibbles!Spices aren't just there to add flavour to your cooking. They have health benefits too, whether that is getting your circulation going with a blast of chilli or calming your mind with a soothing tea. Read more

The Times London Weekend - November 2016Six spicy lunches for the weekendCook your beef in a blend of spices or make a hot chilli relish for your whole roast fish. The chef Natasha MacAller shares her top lunch party recipes. Read more

Food At Heart - November 2016Spice Health Heroes: it’s time to get spicyThere are lots of cookery books out there – my own bookshelves are a testament to this – so when it comes to a new one, I’m always on the lookout for something a bit different. And Spice Health Heroes is just that. It combines the culinary and medicinal in an extended love letter to a range of delicious spices. Read more

FarmersGirl Kitchen - November 2016Cocoa Butter Roasted Veggie Salad and Spice Health HeroesAt a time when culinary medicine, the exciting link between food and medicine (and food as medicine), has become one of the hottest health topics, Spice Health Heroes will stimulate all your senses and show you how to create dishes that not only taste fantastic but may help you feel fantastic too. Read more

London Daily Express - October 2016Subtle spices: Chilli-lime chicken and swiss berry quilt cake recipesIf you have never tried cooking from scratch with spices. I would recommend this book. Read more

Broadway World - Food and Wine - October 2016Hot New Cookbook Alert - SPICE HEALTH HEROES Once in a while, along comes a cookbook that will find itself equally at home in your kitchen or on your coffee table. Not only that, SPICE HEALTH HEROES might also make you healthier. Read more

Glamorous Glutton - October 2016SPICE HEALTH HEROES by Natasha MacAllerStuffed with more than 100 recipes Spice Health Heroes is a wide ranging look at the health benefits of spices. This is the second book by Ballerina Chef Natasha MacAller. Read more